Meet Our Counseling Staff

Chris Miller, Ph.D., LPC

Chris Miller is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), has earned his PhD and holds an M.S. in Counseling and Human Development from Radford University. Chris operates with a person-centered focus. His philosophy emphasizes the present and the future using neuro-linguistics, motivational enhancement, Cognitive Behavioral techniques Trauma-focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy along with techniques to help those in the most difficult of circumstance. He provides an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to care for his clients. Chris provides counseling for individuals of all faiths and ideas. He appreciates pharmacological as well as counseling interventions to sustain optimal mental health and success in life. Chris specializes in helping those who are struggling in a wide variety of areas including:

Christina Dormstetter-O’Keefe, LPC

Christina Dormstetter-O’Keefe is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience in community mental health and private practice. Christina approaches counseling from an assumption of competence and believes that everyone is capable of overcoming obstacles with some assistance. She is passionate about assisting people in finding a healthier and more satisfying life, and she provides a tailored approach based on individual preferences and needs.

Christina earned her BS in psychology at Virginia Tech and completed her M.Ed. in Counseling from Lynchburg College as well as an Ed.S. in Counseling from George Washington University. Christina is currently pursuing a certificate in play therapy at Capella University. Her career has included crisis services, group and individual counseling, therapeutic day treatment at the middle school level, and clinical supervision and training of student interns and residents in counseling. Primary specialties include:

Motivational Interviewing

Self-care and stress management

Addiction

Anxiety, Depression, and Bipolar Disorders

Crisis Intervention

Dealing with chronic medical conditions

Adjustment to life changes and grief/loss

Michele Gunter, LCSW

Michele Gunter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience serving the people of Roanoke and the surrounding community, and specializing is helping children (ages 2 years and older), Preteens/Tweens, Adults, families, and couples. Michele offers a reassuring, nonjudgmental, and confidential environment to promote healing and growth. She works with many issues including

ADHD

Anger Management

Attachment/Reactive Attachment

Trauma

Issues of Early Childhood

Oppositional Defiance

Survivors of Abuse (sexual, physical, emotional, verbal)

Depression

Anxiety

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Grief and Loss

Eating Disorders

Death and Dying

Personality Disorders

Substance Abuse and Recovery

Chronic Pain/Pain Management

Any many others as well

Michele’s approach is one of understanding, compassion, a sense-of-humor, creativity, and reality, combined with education and life experience. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic skills and techniques to assist individuals, families, and couples to achieve the changes you desire.

Christie McIntosh-Svirsky, LCSW, IATP CCTP

Christie McIntosh-Svirsky is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a variety of clinical experience in community mental health and private practice settings. Christie approaches counseling from a person-centered and strength-based perspective, believing that everyone is unique and has core strengths which can be harnessed to assist them in dealing with life’s challenges. Christie will work with you to develop a personalized course of treatment uniquely tailored to your needs, preferences and personality, and where you set the pace.

Christie is a native of northern California who relocated to the Roanoke Valley in 2001. She received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work from Radford University. Christie has practiced in a variety of settings including residential, community and private practice. Her career has included crisis services, group and individual counseling, working in collaboration with the legal system and various community services. Christie has over ten years of experience working closely with survivors of sexual and domestic violence and other sources of trauma. Additionally, she has experience assisting adolescents and adults in their recovery from substance abuse and/or addiction, often incorporating families into the process to help strengthen the recovering client’s support system.

Christie utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities including narrative, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and solution-focused therapy. She strives to create an inviting and supportive atmosphere where clients feel safe to express their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgement. Christie assists persons aged 13 and up who are seeking assistance with a wide variety of issues and provides individual, couples and family counseling; her primary specialties include:

Trauma (PTSD)

Addiction

Anxiety

Depression

Crisis Intervention

Stress and Anger Management

Grief/Loss

Adjustment to life transitions (career, family, illness)

When Christie is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, fishing, puzzles and cross stitching.

Mike Gartland, LCSW, CSAC

Mike is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. Mike’s clinical experience includes working with adolescents and their families; counseling in an acute detox and crisis stabilization unit; providing counseling and support to individuals and families in hospital, hospice, and retirement community environments; facilitating group and individual counseling in a traditional outpatient setting to include forensic and court mandated treatment; and providing counseling and case management services to individuals and families facing the complex challenges of severe mental illness.

As a counselor, Mike understands that “one size does not fit all.” Some of us require and benefit from long-term, introspective therapy; however, there are times when we just need some short-term counseling and genuine guidance. We all experience situations that leave us feeling overwhelmed, confused, lost, or simply stuck. It is during these times that we need help figuring out what happened, where we are, and what options we have. This is especially true when we are confronted by one life’s difficult and often unexpected turns.

Competent, highly trained

Christopher Miller

★★★★★

I had the pleasure of working with Chris in a professional capacity for 6 years, during which time he provided...Read more

individual counseling for a number of children that I referred to him. Chris always demonstrated a sincere empathetic sensibility in his relationship with his clientele. He is keenly adept at providing the skills and guidance that allows others to pursue a self-actualizing understanding and awareness of themselves. He is a superb counselor.

Great Addition

★★★★★

The addition of Chris Miller to your business was a great move. He's been a mentor to me for some time now an...Read more

d he has never failed to help me move forward in troubling times. He really has his heart in his work with a true desire to help others. I recommend him to anyone struggling in this crazy thing called life.

Can’t recommend enough

★★★★★

1st off, the convenience of scheduling and the times available could not be any better. Chris Miller's approa...Read more

ch to therapy is refreshing and truly beneficial. He deeply cares, going the extra mile to get real results. I offer the highest of recommendations for anyone seeking therapy and progress in their life!

Review on Chris

★★★★★

If you are looking for a counselor who thinks deeply and can empathize with all your hang ups, you want Chris....Read more

He is low keyed, able to deal with clients of all educational levels, and is not into platitudes. Another point in Chris' favor: he really wants you to move forward in resolving your issues. He doesn't hang onto a client just for the money. I'm a fan!